Molecular Characterization of Arachis Hypogaea NAC 2 (AhNAC2) Reveals it as a Nac-Like Protein in Peanut

The NAC (NAM, ATAF and CUC) proteins containing the consensus NAC domain are plant specific transcriptional regulators and are expressed in various developmental stages and tissues. We have previously reported the isolation and expression pattern of a peanut NAC gene, AhNAC2 (Arachis hypogaea NAC2). In the present study, it is indicated that AhNAC2-GFP fusion protein was localized in the peanut protoplast nucleus, and the C terminal of AhNAC2-GAL4BD fusion protein showed transcriptional activity in yeast. The AhNAC2-His protein could bind to specific NACRE (NACResponse Elements) in vitro. Thus, the results presented here contribute to our understanding of the specificity and molecular functions of AhNAC2 protein acting as transcriptional factor.